Malvern tops undefeated Newcomerstown in IVC North thriller after trailing by 2 TDs

The highly anticipated matchup between the Malvern Hornets and the Newcomerstown Trojans lived up to the hype, with both teams battling for control of the Inter-Valley Conference North. In the end, Malvern clawed their way to a 38-28 victory, handing the Trojans their first loss of the season.

Newcomerstown (7-1) entered the game undefeated, while Malvern (7-1) carried a 6-1 record, their lone defeat coming at the hands of powerhouse Garaway. With IVC North title implications on the line, the game was a must-win for both sides.

The Trojans struck first, with Dom Singer capping off a drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. Ethan Foster’s kick was good, giving Newcomerstown a 7-0 lead with 5:13 left in the first quarter.

Malvern responded quickly. Julius Gore punched in a 2-yard touchdown, and the Hornets successfully converted the 2-point attempt to take an 8-7 lead with just 1:32 remaining in the first quarter.

Singer added a second touchdown for Newcomerstown early in the second quarter on a 9-yard run. Foster’s extra point gave the Trojans a 14-8 advantage with 8:47 left in the half.

Just before halftime, Malvern suffered two heartbreaks when back-to-back acrobatic touchdown catches by Rodney Smith were called back due to penalties. The Hornets kept Newcomerstown out of the end zone to close the half, keeping it close.

Newcomerstown extended their lead early in the third quarter when Josh Harvey powered in a 2-yard touchdown run, with Foster adding the extra point, making it 21-8 with 7:53 left in the third.

Malvern answered late in the third when quarterback Jared Witherow connected with Smith for a 7-yard touchdown. The Hornets converted another 2-point attempt, narrowing the gap to 21-16 with 2:53 left in the third.

Momentum swung in Malvern’s favor when they recovered an onside kick, giving them excellent field position in Newcomerstown territory. Witherow then rushed for a 10-yard touchdown, and another successful 2-point conversion put Malvern ahead 24-21 with 11:54 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Newcomerstown wasn’t done yet, breaking off a long run to reclaim the lead, 28-24, midway through the final quarter. However, Malvern came roaring back as Gore bulldozed his way into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown run, giving the Hornets a 32-28 lead with 3:43 left.

Just moments later the Hornets had the ball back after recovering a muffed kickoff. Witherow connected with Smith for a 35-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 38-28 with 3:10 remaining, sealing the win for Malvern.

Witherow had an impressive outing, completing 13 of 16 passes for 144 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He added 44 yards on the ground. Gore led Malvern’s rushing attack, carrying the ball 30 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Smith was also a standout, catching seven passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

Newcomerstown outrushed Malvern 238 yards to 169 but struggled through the air, managing just 32 passing yards to Malvern’s 144.

The win puts Malvern in strong contention for the IVC North title as both teams now sit with identical 7-1 records.